By José Alberto Hermosillo
Surprisingly controversial, “Goat” is one of the year’s most shocking films!
“Goat” is a hazardous young-adult drama that sparks debate about the outrageous “Fraternity rituals” and bullying on campuses across America.
The story focuses on two ambitious brothers with big dreams and high expectations, Brad Land (Ben Schnezert) and Brett Land (Nick Jonas). A freshman and a senior college student find themselves on opposite sides of a fraternity.
The white youngsters party hard during a summer celebration, fueled by alcohol, drugs, and shameless sex.
Feeling left out, Brad, the introverted younger brother, leaves the party early. His insecurities drive his emotional decisions, as he can’t say “no” to a stranger who begs for a ride.
Down the road, the stranger and a friend beat the hell out of him. This traumatic assault puts Brad’s well-being at risk, making his transition to college even more painful.
At the University, pledging to the Fraternity’s sickening initiation rituals becomes a living hell for all the newbies, including Brad.
There is no place to run for those “poor, rich white kids.”
Testosterone and adrenaline run high among the Fraternity’s members. The Seniors’ aggressive behavior is used to scare and abuse Freshmen, treating them like a “goat” ready for sacrifice (metaphorically speaking).
The epitome of humiliation occurs when the “goats” become guinea pigs, pet toys, and other animals.
The physical and emotional assaults on the young students are pushed to the limit.
Feeling the pain, Brad, in desperation, eventually says, “I’m sick of getting scared all the time.”
At one point, Brett becomes aware of the damage he and his buddies are causing to the youngsters (including his little brother), who begin to doubt the Fraternity’s hierarchical rules. He develops an internal conflict with the dark side of the Fraternity’s moral code.
The former member of the Jonas Brothers-turned-pop star, Nick Jonas, is terrific in his film debut. He plays the tough big brother with internal conflict and confidence.
On campuses across the country, no one seems to break the vicious cycle of abuse, as we learn that professors, counselors, principals, and those in charge of students’ well-being know about the bullying and do nothing to stop the excessive use of violence by the Fraternities, making this crime institutionalized.
Witnessing “Goat” could be essential for parents, teachers, and students to start discussions about bullying on college campuses across America.
Campus bullying is not limited to white male students. It affects all ethnic groups and even sorority groups (for women); it affects anyone, everywhere.
Other notable films about bullying in schools include the British production “The Riot Club,” Richard Linklater’s “Dazed and Confused,” the Mexican award-winning “After Lucia,” Gus Van Sant’s Palme d’Or-winning “Elephant,” and “Klass” from Estonia.
The graphic violence in “Goat” is compelling and crosses the line several times. Still, the picture produced by James Franco and directed by Andrew Neel didn’t risk pushing the envelope further, making “Goat” more transcendent, consistent, and edgy.
Actors Ben Schnetzer and Nick Jonas dug deep into their emotions to portray such a powerful and unforgettable character. However, the film needed fewer dialogues and explanations to sustain the momentum gained at the start. It needs more symbolism, punchlines, and confrontational situations to create a significant impact by the end, as “Amores Perros” and “Blue is the Warmest Color” did years ago.
After seeing “Goat,” I have to ask myself: If we continue this vicious cycle of bullying, abuse, and emotional damage, what kind of world are we building for the next generations? The period of violence must end.
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